One of the oldest breeds, the Pug has been a loving companion to man for nearly two and half millennia. When the Pug looks at you and cocks his head, even the hardest heart has to melt. Pugs combine a cocky confidence with a friendly, sensitive nature. They are great with kids and thoroughly relish playtime and exercise.

Interestingly enough, the Pug shares the same Chinese origins as the Pekingese. Pugs were prized possessions of Chinese Emperors and some historians claim that, at times, they were even guarded by soldiers. The Dutch brought the Pug to the west.

A pug should be even-tempered, charming, and outgoing with a loving disposition.

Interesting Breed Facts:

Popularity:

15th in 2008; with 12,202 registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

First recognized as a breed:

Although the Pug breed is ancient - some put his origination back to 400 B.C.E. - the Pug breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

AKC Grouping:

Toy.

Size:

Height between 10" to 11" at the shoulder; weight ranges from 14-18 lbs.

Appearance:

According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal Pug is compact in form and well-proportioned with well-developed muscle, a large, massive head, and dark, prominent eyes. Ears are thin, small and soft and can either be rose or button-shaped. Wrinkles on the face should be large and deep, and the muzzle should be short. The Pug's coat is fine, smooth, soft, short, and glossy. Allowable standard colors silver, apricot-fawn, or black. On the silver and apricot-fawn, the mask should be as dark as possible to allow for the most contrast. A Pug's expression should be soft and solicitous, and when excited, his eyes should be full of fire.